The route to Chuchul Peak is an off-road tour in the true sense of the word. If Forest Mix is the first lesson, Chuchul is the exam: rocky sections, steep slopes, a climb that demands technique and concentration, and a view from the top worth every bit of effort. Here is what awaits you along the way, stage by stage, and how to judge whether you are ready.
Setting off from the base
Like every one of our tours, this one starts at the base in the Klisura area near Bankya with a briefing and practice on flat ground. For Chuchul the instructor pays particular attention to two things: how to shift your body weight on a climb (forward, towards the handlebars) and on a descent (back), and how to stop on a slope. These are not formalities. They are the skills you will use for the next 90 minutes.
Part one: the forest warms you up
The start runs along forest trails similar to those on the beginner route. That is deliberate: your hands get used to the machine, your body finds its position, the group finds its pace. The instructor rides with the group and gradually raises the difficulty: narrower sections, more roots, the first longer gradients.
The rocky sections
At one point the forest gives way and the trail turns to stone. Here the ATV is handled differently: slowly, with steady throttle, and no sudden movements of the handlebars. The wheels find their footing between the rocks while you look three or four metres ahead, not at the front wheel. The instructor goes first and shows the line; you follow it. If you need to, you stop and wait for instructions. Nobody is rushing you.
This is the part beginners worry about most and remember most afterwards. The machines were built for this kind of terrain and get through it confidently, as long as you stay calm.
The steep slopes
Then come the climbs. The slopes towards the peak are steep, in places with loose soil or rocks. The technique is always the same: weight forward, even throttle, no stopping halfway up. The instructor sends the group up one at a time with a gap, so that everyone has a clear path and nobody rides in the dust or mud of the person ahead. On the descents: weight back, slowly, on the brake.
Physically this is the most demanding part. Your arms, shoulders and legs work constantly to hold your body in the right position. You will feel tired, which is why there is a break at the top.
The break at the top
At Chuchul Peak you stop, get off the machines and look. Lyulin mountain spreads out below you. Here the instructor gives you time to rest, drink water, take photos and simply stand there. This is the moment when most people understand why they set out in the first place. The GoPro is with you too, We GoPro!, so there is no need to get your phone out.
The way back
The descent back to the base needs no less attention: tired arms make mistakes. The instructor slows the pace and the group heads home calmly. The tour is 90 minutes in total and prices start from 75 € per person.
Who this route is for
- People with some experience. Ideally you have ridden at least once before, for example Forest Mix, or you have motorbike or ATV experience from elsewhere.
- People in good physical shape. The tour is physically demanding. If you have health concerns, consult a doctor beforehand.
- People looking for a challenge. If "easy forest route" sounds like not enough, this is your tour.
As on all our tours: one person per machine, maximum rider weight 120 kg, personal responsibility of the participant, and full gear from us (helmet, neck gaiter, knee pads, balaclava, rain jacket). If you are not sure you are ready, call us. We will ask about your experience and give you honest advice. Sometimes the answer is: The Beauty of Lyulin Mountain first, and Chuchul next time.
How to prepare
- Clothing: long trousers in a heavy fabric, a long-sleeved top, gloves and closed shoes with a good sole, because on the rocks you will be using your feet too. Spare clothes in the car.
- Water: the climb is physical effort, and the break at the top is there for exactly that. Bring a bottle.
- Sleep and food: arrive rested and fed. Tired arms on the descent are a real risk.
- Mindset: this is not a race. The fastest rider on Chuchul is the one who does not stop halfway up the slope, not the one who gives the most throttle.
Chuchul on a Sur-Ron
The same peak can be reached on an electric bike too. The Sur-Ron tour to Chuchul Peak goes through dense forest and muddy trails and feels completely different: silence, lightness and balance on two wheels instead of the stability of four. If you have ridden a motorbike, it is an option worth considering. To compare the two machines, see the ATV and Sur-Ron pages.
Ready for the summit? Book the tour to Chuchul Peak at /booking or on +359 882 69 3073.